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The Rural Voice, 2005-06, Page 40Rural Living Perfect cottage make-aheads with eggs Selected by Bonnie Gropp With the arrival of warmer weather, comes the desire for easy to make, easy to transport meals. Eggs offer versatility for mealtimes, from breakfast to dinner, from salads and sandwiches to more elegant crepes. A number of recipes can be prepared ahead to lighten the workload on weekend trips to the cottage. TABBOULI EGG SALAD 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) chicken or vegetable stock 4 eggs, lightly beaten 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) couscous or instant rice 1 cup (50 mL) chopped mixed fresh vegetables (seeded tomato, cucumber, carrot) 1 green onion, chopped 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh cilantro, mint or parsley 2/3 cup (150mL) regular or light Italian salad dressing 2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon or lime juice 1 tsp (5 mL) chili powder salt and pepper to taste In large saucepan, bring stock to a boil. Stirring constantly, slowly add eggs in a steady stream. Continue to stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until eggs are set. Remove from heat and stir in couscous. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in chopped vegetables, green onion and cilantro. In small bowl, combine salad dressing, lemon juice and chili powder. Add to couscous and toss until well combined. Season, to taste. Serve warm or refrigerate until ready to serve. VERSATILE EGGSALAD SANDWICH 6 hard -cooked eggs, coarsely chopped 2 tbsp (30 mL) mayonnaise 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped green onions 2 tsp (10 mL) Dijon mustard Garlic powder Salt and hot pepper sauce, to taste In bowl, combine eggs, mayonnaise, onions, mustard and 36 THE RURAL VOICE Egg dishes, like crepes, bring vcr.satiliry and (,; to mealtime. seasonings. Use as directed for one of the variations below. Honey -Dijon: Use honey -Dijon mustard to make basic egg salad; add 3/4 cup (175 mL) chopped dill pickles. Place a slice of ham each on 4 slices of rye or pumpernickel bread. Divide egg salad mixture between sandwiches and top with slices of bread. Serve immediately or refrigerate. California: To basic egg salad, add 3 tbsp (45 mL) chopped dried tomatoes and 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh basil (1/2 tsp/2 mL dried basil). Split four crusty rolls or cut four pita breads in half. Fill with egg salad mixture and top with alfalfa sprouts. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Tex-Mex: To basic egg salad, season with Tex-Mex seasoning or chili powder. Spread filling over four 6 -inch (15 cm) flour or whole wheat tortillas. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh coriander leaves or chopped fresh parsley. Roll up tightly. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Serve with tomato salsa as a dip. BAKED EGG SCRAMBLE 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped onion 1 cup (250 mL) sliced mushroom 12 eggs 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter 2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) milk 3/4 cup (175 mL) grated Swiss cheese salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup (250 mL) croutons In Targe non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute until translucent. Add mushrooms and continue cooking until limp. Beat eggs; pour over vegetables. As mixture begins to set, gently move spatula across bottom of skillet to form Targe, soft curds. Cook until eggs are thickened and no visible liquid egg remains, but mixture is still moist. Remove from heat. In medium saucepan, heat butter until melted. Stir in flour, blending until smooth. Gradually add milk and cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Add cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add scrambled eggs to sauce, gently stirring until combined. Pour mixture into lightly greased 2 quart (2 L) baking dish. Sprinkle croutons over top. If desired, cover and refrigerate up to 3 hours. Bake in pre -heated 350°F (180°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. BASIC CREPES 2 eggs 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour